Lebron James and Maverick Carter Producers of ‘Rise Up: The Movement that Changed America’

When Martin Luther King Jr. was murdered in Memphis, TN on April 4, 1968, he left a legacy of profound change, yet there was still much-unfinished work. HISTORY presents “Rise Up: The Movement that Changed America,” a one-hour documentary executive produced by LeBron James and Maverick Carter for SpringHill Entertainment and Emmy-Award winning filmmaker Stanley Nelson (The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution, Freedom Riders), exploring the key battles in the Civil Rights Movement that transformed American society – from the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955 to the Chicago Campaign which led to the Fair Housing Act of 1968. Premiering Wednesday, April 4 at 10 PM ET/PT on the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s death, the special will uncover what it took to translate protest into real legislative change.

“We started Springhill to tell the stories we wanted in our community. It is an honor to partner with Stanley Nelson, who has been such an important voice and artist, on this documentary,” said James. “There are more and more great productions – both fiction and nonfiction – telling our story. I am really proud of the role Springhill is playing in this moment and appreciate HISTORY giving us this opportunity.”

“We are currently witnessing a young generation rising up to make their voices heard, similar to the journey courageous leaders of the Civil Rights movement took to create change in America,” said Eli Lehrer, Executive Vice President of Programming, HISTORY. “Through the powerful storytelling of LeBron and Stanley, this film will reflect on the past providing viewers with an intimate account of the campaigns that resulted in unprecedented legislation and look toward the future as current activists and politicians continue the path toward change.”

“I’m very excited to work on this film, as these visionary men and women literally changed the course of history,” said Nelson. “This film provides an intimate look at the strategy behind the boycotts, campaigns, and marches that came to define the movement.”

“Rise Up: The Movement that Changed America” will track the details of the dedication, sacrifice and commitment to change – even in the face of withering violent resistance – told by the women and men who led the way. Interviewees include Civil Rights movement activists, politicians and historians, such as: President Bill Clinton; Jesse Jackson; Andrew Young; Sen. Cory Booker; Sen. Doug Jones; Harry Belafonte and Rashad Robinson, Color of Change Executive Director.